Aux Batt solenoid on PT - Printable Version +- Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum (http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com) +-- Forum: Yahoo Groups Archive (/forumdisplay.php?fid=61) +--- Forum: WanderlodgeForum (/forumdisplay.php?fid=63) +--- Thread: Aux Batt solenoid on PT (/showthread.php?tid=4985) |
Aux Batt solenoid on PT - erniecarpet@... - 05-27-2007 22:50 I bought my own load tester. It was around 50 bucks, i believe. Works great and has helped me a lot- I always need help~ Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Livingston, Mt ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Aux Batt solenoid on PT - Pete Masterson - 05-28-2007 01:05 Wavy line might mean AC (sometimes designated as a sine wave). Is the wavy line mode the one that gives the unlikely high reading? Each mode usually has a series of ranges (tens, hundreds, etc.) as well to reflect the expected voltages you will encounter. (If working with a complete unknown, start at the high end and work down until the reading makes sense.) Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 aeonix1@... On the road at Lockhart Texas On May 27, 2007, at 9:35 PM, Scott Forman wrote: > The modes are marked by a V followd by 3 dots in one mode and a V > with a wavy line for the other. Doesn't help much, huh? > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Curt Sprenger > >> >> Scott, >> >> A bad battery could cause the 12.4 reading. Remove the battery, > take it >> to an auto parts store, have them load test it. Could be a bad cell > in >> the battery. I've experience battereis with a bad cell start > engines, >> and then just die on the spot. >> >> What are the "modes" on your multimeter that you are using? >> >> We are here to help. Just keep the communication coming. >> >> Curt Sprenger >> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >> >> >> >> Scott Forman wrote: >> >>> the gen batt read 12.1 before I started it, 12.4 after it was >>> running. I know that by the book 12.1v is a half-dead battery, but >>> it cranks awfully strong to be half dead. And the 12.4 isn't as > high >>> as it should be, but since it is higher there is obviously some >>> charge getting to it...ideas? >>> >>> Another note...my multimeter has two "modes" that I don't really >>> understand. When I turn the dial to one setting, it read 12.4 with >>> generator running, on the other setting it read 26.5. Any idea > what >>> this other mode is showing me? >>> >>> Much confusions over here >>> >>> Scott >>> >>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>> >>>> >>>> Battery with no charge to it for about 20 minutes, approx 12.6 >>> volts is >>>> good. Battery receiving a charge, 13.4+ volts...unless you have > the >>>> smart chargers that are in the sleep mode. >>>> >>>> Curt Sprenger >>>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Scott Forman wrote: >>>> >>>>> And what voltage should it show when charging? >>>>> >>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>> >>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> TO be assured that the gen battery is charging under all >>>>> conditions, >>>>>> check with the shore power, then generator running , then > the >>>>> engine >>>>>> alternator running and charging. >>>>>> >>>>>> Bill 88 FC Michigan >>>>>> >>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>> <sforman@> >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Isn't it all one circuit? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Agree. Good. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Do the same test using shore power. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Curt Sprenger >>>>>>>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>>>>>>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Scott Forman wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> OK, the voltage went up with the gen running. So I > guess >>> the >>>>>>> circuit >>>>>>>>> works. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Scott >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>>>>>>>> > Sprenger >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Scott, >>>>>>>>>> Have you used your multimeter and checked the > voltage at >>>>> the >>>>>>> gen. >>>>>>>>>> battery? First before you start the gen. Than again >>> after >>>>> the >>>>>>> gen. >>>>>>>>> is >>>>>>>>>> running. The increase in voltage when the gen. is >>> running >>>>>> tells >>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>>> that the charge circuit is working. No change in >>> voltage, or >>>>>>>>> lower, >>>>>>>>>> you know the charge is not working. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Curt Sprenger >>>>>>>>>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>>>>>>>>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Scott Forman wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Hmmm..."what is your problem"...there's a wide > ranging >>>>>>>>> question.... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Really I don't have a problem right now. I am just >>> trying >>>>>> to >>>>>>> learn >>>>>>>>>>> my new coach. I knew my old FC inside and out, and >>> that >>>>>> gave >>>>>>> me >>>>>>>>> some >>>>>>>>>>> confidence that if I ever had a problem on the > road, >>>>> maybe >>>>>> I >>>>>>> could >>>>>>>>>>> diagnose it & fix it. I want to feel that way > about my >>>>> PT, >>>>>>> too. I >>>>>>>>>>> also want to make sure that the charging circuit > is >>>>>> charging >>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>> generator battery as it is supposed to. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Scott >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Scott, >>>>>>>>>>>> May I be so bold as to ask what is your problem? >>>>>>>>>>>> Howard Truitt >>>>>>>>>>>> Camilla, Ga. >>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT40 >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 08:17:02 EDT >>>>>>>>>>>>> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Aux Batt > solenoid >>> on >>>>> PT >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> OK...a little help... >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> There are solenoids all over the place. > There's >>> one >>>>> on >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>> front >>>>>>>>>>>>> wall of the batter charger compartment. There > are >>> two >>>>>>> others >>>>>>>>> on >>>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>>> metal panel that folds down to give access to > the >>>>>> charger >>>>>>>>>>>>> compartment. And there are three of them > behind >>> the >>>>>> step >>>>>>> well, >>>>>>>>>>>>> although it looks like two of them are for the >>>>> leveling >>>>>>> pump. >>>>>>>>>>> None >>>>>>>>>>>>> of these make the audible "click" when I hit > the >>> Aux >>>>>> Batt >>>>>>>>>>> switch. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> The drawings in my Blue Box aren't as >>> comprehensive >>>>> as >>>>>>> they >>>>>>>>> were >>>>>>>>>>> in >>>>>>>>>>>>> my FC, so I am having trouble figuring all > this >>> out. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Help! >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott Forman >>>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT38 >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> On my 86 PT40 mine is in the compartment > with >>> the >>>>>>> chargers. >>>>>>>>> But >>>>>>>>>>>>> knowing BB and your coach being a 38 footer it >>> may be >>>>>>>>> different. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Howard Truitt >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Camilla, Ga. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT40 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 02:53:55 EDT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >>> >>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Aux Batt > solenoid >>> on >>>>> PT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Where is the auxillary battery solenoid > on a >>> PT? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott Forman >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT38 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > Aux Batt solenoid on PT - Pete Masterson - 05-28-2007 01:12 It's simply a spurious reading. There's no AC voltage, just the circuits in the meter trying to make sense of the what it "sees". Different meters will give different results in the same circumstances. Ideally, a meter will give an 'error' reading if the mode is set to AC and only a DC voltage is found ... but that's probably limited to more expensive meters, if that feature exists. If the meter were smart enough to tell AC from DC, it wouldn't have mode dials. Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 aeonix1@... On the road at Lockhkart Texas On May 27, 2007, at 10:11 PM, Curt Sprenger wrote: > I wish I could give you a clear technical answer. I've experienced the > same as you have. I've learned to set the multimeter to either DC > or AC > depending on the need. Others on the forum will chime in and give a > good > explanation. > > We, us on this forum, are learning together. I'm not an expert, but > don't mind sharing what I have used or done working with DC, or AC > as well. > > Curt Sprenger > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > Scott Forman wrote: > >> OK...why does a 12v DC battery show AC voltage? >> >> I used to think I understood vehicle electrical systems.... >> >> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >> >>> >>> Dots + DC Volts. Wavy line + AC Volts. >>> >>> Curt Sprenger >>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>> >>> >>> >>> Scott Forman wrote: >>> >>>> The modes are marked by a V followd by 3 dots in one mode and a V >>>> with a wavy line for the other. Doesn't help much, huh? >>>> >>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Scott, >>>>> >>>>> A bad battery could cause the 12.4 reading. Remove the battery, >>>> take it >>>>> to an auto parts store, have them load test it. Could be a bad >> cell >>>> in >>>>> the battery. I've experience battereis with a bad cell start >>>> engines, >>>>> and then just die on the spot. >>>>> >>>>> What are the "modes" on your multimeter that you are using? >>>>> >>>>> We are here to help. Just keep the communication coming. >>>>> >>>>> Curt Sprenger >>>>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>>>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Scott Forman wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> the gen batt read 12.1 before I started it, 12.4 after it was >>>>>> running. I know that by the book 12.1v is a half-dead >> battery, but >>>>>> it cranks awfully strong to be half dead. And the 12.4 isn't >> as >>>> high >>>>>> as it should be, but since it is higher there is obviously >> some >>>>>> charge getting to it...ideas? >>>>>> >>>>>> Another note...my multimeter has two "modes" that I don't >> really >>>>>> understand. When I turn the dial to one setting, it read 12.4 >> with >>>>>> generator running, on the other setting it read 26.5. Any idea >>>> what >>>>>> this other mode is showing me? >>>>>> >>>>>> Much confusions over here >>>>>> >>>>>> Scott >>>>>> >>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Battery with no charge to it for about 20 minutes, approx >> 12.6 >>>>>> volts is >>>>>>> good. Battery receiving a charge, 13.4+ volts...unless you >> have >>>> the >>>>>>> smart chargers that are in the sleep mode. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Curt Sprenger >>>>>>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>>>>>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Scott Forman wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> And what voltage should it show when charging? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> TO be assured that the gen battery is charging under all >>>>>>>> conditions, >>>>>>>>> check with the shore power, then generator running , >> then >>>> the >>>>>>>> engine >>>>>>>>> alternator running and charging. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Bill 88 FC Michigan >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >> Forman" >>>>>> <sforman@> >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Isn't it all one circuit? >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Agree. Good. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Do the same test using shore power. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Curt Sprenger >>>>>>>>>>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>>>>>>>>>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Scott Forman wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> OK, the voltage went up with the gen running. So I >>>> guess >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> circuit >>>>>>>>>>>> works. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Scott >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>> Sprenger >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott, >>>>>>>>>>>>> Have you used your multimeter and checked the >>>> voltage at >>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> gen. >>>>>>>>>>>>> battery? First before you start the gen. Than >> again >>>>>> after >>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> gen. >>>>>>>>>>>> is >>>>>>>>>>>>> running. The increase in voltage when the gen. >> is >>>>>> running >>>>>>>>> tells >>>>>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>>>>>> that the charge circuit is working. No change in >>>>>> voltage, or >>>>>>>>>>>> lower, >>>>>>>>>>>>> you know the charge is not working. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Curt Sprenger >>>>>>>>>>>>> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" >>>>>>>>>>>>> Anaheim Hills, Calif. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott Forman wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hmmm..."what is your problem"...there's a wide >>>> ranging >>>>>>>>>>>> question.... >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Really I don't have a problem right now. I am >> just >>>>>> trying >>>>>>>>> to >>>>>>>>>> learn >>>>>>>>>>>>>> my new coach. I knew my old FC inside and >> out, and >>>>>> that >>>>>>>>> gave >>>>>>>>>> me >>>>>>>>>>>> some >>>>>>>>>>>>>> confidence that if I ever had a problem on the >>>> road, >>>>>>>> maybe >>>>>>>>> I >>>>>>>>>> could >>>>>>>>>>>>>> diagnose it & fix it. I want to feel that way >>>> about my >>>>>>>> PT, >>>>>>>>>> too. I >>>>>>>>>>>>>> also want to make sure that the charging >> circuit >>>> is >>>>>>>>> charging >>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> generator battery as it is supposed to. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> May I be so bold as to ask what is your >> problem? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Howard Truitt >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Camilla, Ga. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT40 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 08:17:02 EDT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Aux Batt >>>> solenoid >>>>>> on >>>>>>>> PT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> OK...a little help... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> There are solenoids all over the place. >>>> There's >>>>>> one >>>>>>>> on >>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>> front >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> wall of the batter charger compartment. >> There >>>> are >>>>>> two >>>>>>>>>> others >>>>>>>>>>>> on >>>>>>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> metal panel that folds down to give >> access to >>>> the >>>>>>>>> charger >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> compartment. And there are three of them >>>> behind >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>> step >>>>>>>>>> well, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> although it looks like two of them are >> for the >>>>>>>> leveling >>>>>>>>>> pump. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> None >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> of these make the audible "click" when I >> hit >>>> the >>>>>> Aux >>>>>>>>> Batt >>>>>>>>>>>>>> switch. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The drawings in my Blue Box aren't as >>>>>> comprehensive >>>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>>> they >>>>>>>>>>>> were >>>>>>>>>>>>>> in >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> my FC, so I am having trouble figuring all >>>> this >>>>>> out. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Help! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott Forman >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT38 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On my 86 PT40 mine is in the compartment >>>> with >>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> chargers. >>>>>>>>>>>> But >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> knowing BB and your coach being a 38 >> footer it >>>>>> may be >>>>>>>>>>>> different. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Howard Truitt >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Camilla, Ga. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT40 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 02:53:55 EDT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com >> >>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Aux Batt >>>> solenoid >>>>>> on >>>>>>>> PT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Where is the auxillary battery >> solenoid >>>> on a >>>>>> PT? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott Forman >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 86 PT38 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >> >> > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > Aux Batt solenoid on PT - Stephen Birtles - 05-28-2007 02:24 I would follow Curt's advice drag the batteries in to a dealer unless you a have either a inductive battery tester(midtronics) or a carbon pile tester( big piece of old technology got them both) The open voltage test does work as a benchmark (horsepower) but the testers will let you know how much load they sill stand before failure(torque) All the voltage in the world does not help if there is no load carrying capacity. A bad battery can still show good voltage but still show problems when under load While it is a lot of work to remove and replace the batteries there is a couple of things on the up side you can clean and repaint the battery tray,if the battery or batteries are at end of life you already have them at the dealer for recycling and finally you will save yourself 2 days messing around with the batteries and still have to drag them into the dealer. And yes the trojan site does give some helpful information For the multimeter for the unfamilar what I did was mark with permanent marker ac and dc above the symbols. Now I don't need my glasses to set the meter and there are no mistakes it is really easy to confuse the symbols when one like myself is optically challenged and can never find my peepers. And you don't need to spend the big bucks on a fluke when there are more reasonably priced meters on the market that do the same functions and give the same results. Sort of like buying a cadillac when you only need a volkswagen. And yes we have flukes and others all the way up to network and fiber testers and meters Stephen 77fc35 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner > > The V with a wavy line on a multimeter is for Alternating voltage, > and the V with 3 dots (actually 3 dashes with a bar over the top) is > for Direct Current voltage. > > The 12.1VDC (50% battery charged) or 12.4VDC(70% battery > charged) read across the battery terminals could just be that the > battery is discharged or partially discharged and/or has not been > charging. Its a lot of work to remove 4-6 or more 60# batteries and > cart them to an auto store to test when you can do it in a few > minutes without taking them out of the coach. But that is each > persons choice of course. > > I would suggest those interested read the general battery > maintenance information from Trojan Batteries although it pertains to > all batteries. > http://www.trojan-battery.com/Tech-Support/BatteryMaintenance/Testing.aspx > Pay particular attention to the process of testing for specific > gravity (you need a hydrometer and I would advise everyone interested > in doing at least some of the maintenance on their coaches to buy > one). And if you really want to understand your charging system > including your alternator, chargers and batteries you really should > understand what the charging curves look like for voltage and > current. Just my opinion but Phfred has lots of really good > information on these subjects for RVers. Oh and a Fluke multimeter > is an excellent investment and will save you a lot of headaches. > > Tom Warner > vernon center,ny > 1985 PT 40 > > At 10:21 PM 5/27/2007, you wrote: > >Scott, > > > >A bad battery could cause the 12.4 reading. Remove the battery, take it > >to an auto parts store, have them load test it. Could be a bad cell in > >the battery. I've experience battereis with a bad cell start engines, > >and then just die on the spot. > > > >What are the "modes" on your multimeter that you are using? > > > >We are here to help. Just keep the communication coming. > > > >Curt Sprenger > >1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > >Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > >Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > the gen batt read 12.1 before I started it, 12.4 after it was > > > running. I know that by the book 12.1v is a half-dead battery, but > > > it cranks awfully strong to be half dead. And the 12.4 isn't as high > > > as it should be, but since it is higher there is obviously some > > > charge getting to it...ideas? > > > > > > Another note...my multimeter has two "modes" that I don't really > > > understand. When I turn the dial to one setting, it read 12.4 with > > > generator running, on the other setting it read 26.5. Any idea what > > > this other mode is showing me? > > > > > > Much confusions over here > > > > > > Scott > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Battery with no charge to it for about 20 minutes, approx 12.6 > > > volts is > > > > good. Battery receiving a charge, 13.4+ volts...unless you have the > > > > smart chargers that are in the sleep mode. > > > > > > > > Curt Sprenger > > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > > > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > > > And what voltage should it show when charging? > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > TO be assured that the gen battery is charging under all > > > > > conditions, > > > > > > check with the shore power, then generator running , then the > > > > > engine > > > > > > alternator running and charging. > > > > > > > > > > > > Bill 88 FC Michigan > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > <sforman@> > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Isn't it all one circuit? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Agree. Good. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do the same test using shore power. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Curt Sprenger > > > > > > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > > > > > > > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > OK, the voltage went up with the gen running. So I guess > > > the > > > > > > > circuit > > > > > > > > > works. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sprenger > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > > > > > > Have you used your multimeter and checked the voltage at > > > > > the > > > > > > > gen. > > > > > > > > > > battery? First before you start the gen. Than again > > > after > > > > > the > > > > > > > gen. > > > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > > running. The increase in voltage when the gen. is > > > running > > > > > > tells > > > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > > that the charge circuit is working. No change in > > > voltage, or > > > > > > > > > lower, > > > > > > > > > > you know the charge is not working. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Curt Sprenger > > > > > > > > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > > > > > > > > > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hmmm..."what is your problem"...there's a wide ranging > > > > > > > > > question.... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Really I don't have a problem right now. I am just > > > trying > > > > > > to > > > > > > > learn > > > > > > > > > > > my new coach. I knew my old FC inside and out, and > > > that > > > > > > gave > > > > > > > me > > > > > > > > > some > > > > > > > > > > > confidence that if I ever had a problem on the road, > > > > > maybe > > > > > > I > > > > > > > could > > > > > > > > > > > diagnose it & fix it. I want to feel that way about my > > > > > PT, > > > > > > > too. I > > > > > > > > > > > also want to make sure that the charging circuit is > > > > > > charging > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > generator battery as it is supposed to. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > > > > > > > > May I be so bold as to ask what is your problem? > > > > > > > > > > > > Howard Truitt > > > > > > > > > > > > Camilla, Ga. > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT40 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 08:17:02 EDT > > > > > > > > > > > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Aux Batt solenoid > > > on > > > > > PT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > OK...a little help... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > There are solenoids all over the place. There's > > > one > > > > > on > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > front > > > > > > > > > > > > > wall of the batter charger compartment. There are > > > two > > > > > > > others > > > > > > > > > on > > > > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > > metal panel that folds down to give access to the > > > > > > charger > > > > > > > > > > > > > compartment. And there are three of them behind > > > the > > > > > > step > > > > > > > well, > > > > > > > > > > > > > although it looks like two of them are for the > > > > > leveling > > > > > > > pump. > > > > > > > > > > > None > > > > > > > > > > > > > of these make the audible "click" when I hit the > > > Aux > > > > > > Batt > > > > > > > > > > > switch. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The drawings in my Blue Box aren't as > > > comprehensive > > > > > as > > > > > > > they > > > > > > > > > were > > > > > > > > > > > in > > > > > > > > > > > > > my FC, so I am having trouble figuring all this > > > out. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman > > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT38 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On my 86 PT40 mine is in the compartment with > > > the > > > > > > > chargers. > > > > > > > > > But > > > > > > > > > > > > > knowing BB and your coach being a 38 footer it > > > may be > > > > > > > > > different. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Howard Truitt > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Camilla, Ga. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT40 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 02:53:55 EDT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Aux Batt solenoid > > > on > > > > > PT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Where is the auxillary battery solenoid on a > > > PT? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT38 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > Aux Batt solenoid on PT - Rob Robinson - 05-28-2007 02:41 Thanks Stepehn. I have been planning on checking out my batteries. I was thinking of buying my own load tester but you've given me food for thought. I am a novice when it comes to electricity and appreciate On 28/05/07, Stephen Birtles > > I would follow Curt's advice drag the batteries in to a dealer unless > you a have either a inductive battery tester(midtronics) or a carbon > pile tester( big piece of old technology got them both) > The open voltage test does work as a benchmark (horsepower) but the > testers will let you know how much load they sill stand before > failure(torque) All the voltage in the world does not help if there is > no load carrying capacity. A bad battery can still show good voltage > but still show problems when under load > While it is a lot of work to remove and replace the batteries there is > a couple of things on the up side you can clean and repaint the > battery tray,if the battery or batteries are at end of life you > already have them at the dealer for recycling and finally you will > save yourself 2 days messing around with the batteries and still have > to drag them into the dealer. And yes the trojan site does give some > helpful information > For the multimeter for the unfamilar what I did was mark with > permanent marker ac and dc above the symbols. Now I don't need my > glasses to set the meter and there are no mistakes it is really easy > to confuse the symbols when one like myself is optically challenged > and can never find my peepers. And you don't need to spend the big > bucks on a fluke when there are more reasonably priced meters on the > market that do the same functions and give the same results. Sort of > like buying a cadillac when you only need a volkswagen. And yes we > have flukes and others all the way up to network and fiber testers and > meters > Stephen 77fc35 > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Tom Warner > > > > The V with a wavy line on a multimeter is for Alternating voltage, > > and the V with 3 dots (actually 3 dashes with a bar over the top) is > > for Direct Current voltage. > > > > The 12.1VDC (50% battery charged) or 12.4VDC(70% battery > > charged) read across the battery terminals could just be that the > > battery is discharged or partially discharged and/or has not been > > charging. Its a lot of work to remove 4-6 or more 60# batteries and > > cart them to an auto store to test when you can do it in a few > > minutes without taking them out of the coach. But that is each > > persons choice of course. > > > > I would suggest those interested read the general battery > > maintenance information from Trojan Batteries although it pertains to > > all batteries. > > > http://www.trojan-battery.com/Tech-Support/BatteryMaintenance/Testing.aspx > > > Pay particular attention to the process of testing for specific > > gravity (you need a hydrometer and I would advise everyone interested > > in doing at least some of the maintenance on their coaches to buy > > one). And if you really want to understand your charging system > > including your alternator, chargers and batteries you really should > > understand what the charging curves look like for voltage and > > current. Just my opinion but Phfred has lots of really good > > information on these subjects for RVers. Oh and a Fluke multimeter > > is an excellent investment and will save you a lot of headaches. > > > > Tom Warner > > vernon center,ny > > 1985 PT 40 > > > > At 10:21 PM 5/27/2007, you wrote: > > >Scott, > > > > > >A bad battery could cause the 12.4 reading. Remove the battery, take it > > > >to an auto parts store, have them load test it. Could be a bad cell in > > >the battery. I've experience battereis with a bad cell start engines, > > >and then just die on the spot. > > > > > >What are the "modes" on your multimeter that you are using? > > > > > >We are here to help. Just keep the communication coming. > > > > > >Curt Sprenger > > >1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > >Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > >Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > the gen batt read 12.1 before I started it, 12.4 after it was > > > > running. I know that by the book 12.1v is a half-dead battery, but > > > > it cranks awfully strong to be half dead. And the 12.4 isn't as high > > > > as it should be, but since it is higher there is obviously some > > > > charge getting to it...ideas? > > > > > > > > Another note...my multimeter has two "modes" that I don't really > > > > understand. When I turn the dial to one setting, it read 12.4 with > > > > generator running, on the other setting it read 26.5. Any idea what > > > > this other mode is showing me? > > > > > > > > Much confusions over here > > > > > > > > Scott > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Battery with no charge to it for about 20 minutes, approx 12.6 > > > > volts is > > > > > good. Battery receiving a charge, 13.4+ volts...unless you > have the > > > > > smart chargers that are in the sleep mode. > > > > > > > > > > Curt Sprenger > > > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > > > > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > And what voltage should it show when charging? > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > TO be assured that the gen battery is charging under all > > > > > > conditions, > > > > > > > check with the shore power, then generator running , then the > > > > > > engine > > > > > > > alternator running and charging. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Bill 88 FC Michigan > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <sforman@> > > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Isn't it all one circuit? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Agree. Good. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do the same test using shore power. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Curt Sprenger > > > > > > > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > > > > > > > > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > OK, the voltage went up with the gen running. So I guess > > > > the > > > > > > > > circuit > > > > > > > > > > works. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sprenger > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > > > > > > > Have you used your multimeter and checked the > voltage at > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > gen. > > > > > > > > > > > battery? First before you start the gen. Than again > > > > after > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > gen. > > > > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > > > running. The increase in voltage when the gen. is > > > > running > > > > > > > tells > > > > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > > > that the charge circuit is working. No change in > > > > voltage, or > > > > > > > > > > lower, > > > > > > > > > > > you know the charge is not working. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Curt Sprenger > > > > > > > > > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > > > > > > > > > > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hmmm..."what is your problem"...there's a wide > ranging > > > > > > > > > > question.... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Really I don't have a problem right now. I am just > > > > trying > > > > > > > to > > > > > > > > learn > > > > > > > > > > > > my new coach. I knew my old FC inside and out, and > > > > that > > > > > > > gave > > > > > > > > me > > > > > > > > > > some > > > > > > > > > > > > confidence that if I ever had a problem on the road, > > > > > > maybe > > > > > > > I > > > > > > > > could > > > > > > > > > > > > diagnose it & fix it. I want to feel that way > about my > > > > > > PT, > > > > > > > > too. I > > > > > > > > > > > > also want to make sure that the charging circuit is > > > > > > > charging > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > generator battery as it is supposed to. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > > > > > > > > > May I be so bold as to ask what is your problem? > > > > > > > > > > > > > Howard Truitt > > > > > > > > > > > > > Camilla, Ga. > > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT40 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 08:17:02 EDT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Aux Batt > solenoid > > > > on > > > > > > PT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > OK...a little help... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > There are solenoids all over the place. There's > > > > one > > > > > > on > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > front > > > > > > > > > > > > > > wall of the batter charger compartment. > There are > > > > two > > > > > > > > others > > > > > > > > > > on > > > > > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > > > metal panel that folds down to give access > to the > > > > > > > charger > > > > > > > > > > > > > > compartment. And there are three of them behind > > > > the > > > > > > > step > > > > > > > > well, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > although it looks like two of them are for the > > > > > > leveling > > > > > > > > pump. > > > > > > > > > > > > None > > > > > > > > > > > > > > of these make the audible "click" when I hit the > > > > Aux > > > > > > > Batt > > > > > > > > > > > > switch. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The drawings in my Blue Box aren't as > > > > comprehensive > > > > > > as > > > > > > > > they > > > > > > > > > > were > > > > > > > > > > > > in > > > > > > > > > > > > > > my FC, so I am having trouble figuring all this > > > > out. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT38 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On my 86 PT40 mine is in the compartment with > > > > the > > > > > > > > chargers. > > > > > > > > > > But > > > > > > > > > > > > > > knowing BB and your coach being a 38 footer it > > > > may be > > > > > > > > > > different. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Howard Truitt > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Camilla, Ga. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT40 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 02:53:55 EDT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Aux Batt > solenoid > > > > on > > > > > > PT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Where is the auxillary battery solenoid on a > > > > PT? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 86 PT38 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson 94 WLWB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Aux Batt solenoid on PT - marvinskaggs@...> - 05-28-2007 06:09 My gen. battery has some kind of load on it, P.O. has disconect on cable.Would it make sense to seperate the gen battery from the other s completly and install an altenator on the gen engine?Seems like sometime the batt stays up sometimes not?Marvin SkaggsBuffalo, Ky. 427161984 PT40--- On Mon 05/28, Rob Robinson < wander.rob@... > wrote:From: Rob Robinson [mailto: wander.rob@...]To: WanderlodgeForum@...: Mon, 28 May 2007 07:41:07 -0700Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Aux Batt solenoid on PT Thanks Stepehn. I have been planning on checking out my batteries. I wasthinking of buying my own load tester but you've given me food for thought.I am a novice when it comes to electricity and appreciateOn 28/05/07, Stephen Birtles <cape0001@...> wrote:>> I would follow Curt's advice drag the batteries in to a dealer unless> you a have either a inductive battery tester(midtronics) or a carbon> pile tester( big piece of old technology got them both)> The open voltage test does work as a benchmark (horsepower) but the> testers will let you know how much load they sill stand before> failure(torque) All the voltage in the world does not help if there is> no load carrying capacity. A bad battery can still show good voltage> but still show problems when under load> While it is a lot of work to remove and replace the batteries there is> a couple of things on the up side you can clean and repaint the> battery tray,if the battery or batteries are at end of life you> already have them at the dealer for recycling and finally you will> save yourself 2 days messing around with the batteries and still have> to drag them into the dealer. And yes the trojan site does give some> helpful information> For the multimeter for the unfamilar what I did was mark with> permanent marker ac and dc above the symbols. Now I don't need my> glasses to set the meter and there are no mistakes it is really easy> to confuse the symbols when one like myself is optically challenged> and can never find my peepers. And you don't need to spend the big> bucks on a fluke when there are more reasonably priced meters on the> market that do the same functions and give the same results. Sort of> like buying a cadillac when you only need a volkswagen. And yes we> have flukes and others all the way up to network and fiber testers and> meters> Stephen 77fc35>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Recent Activity 5New Members 1New Photos 1New FilesVisit Your Group SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Recreational vehicle financing Recreational vehicle repair Recreational vehicle rental Recreational vehicle camper Health ZoneLook your best! Groups to help you look & feel great. Yahoo! FinanceIt's Now Personal Guides, news, advice & more. Yahoo! GroupsTake a Survey express your ideas share your opinion . _______________________________________________ Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com The most personalized portal on the Web! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Aux Batt solenoid on PT - Scott Forman - 05-28-2007 07:04 OK...the saga continues... Took gen batt to be tested. Bad. Replaced with new one. 12.6v at rest, fully charged. I found the circuit breaker/diode across the aux batt switch. Took all the connections apart and cleaned off corrosion. Here is what the multimeter shows: 1) With batt chargers off, both sides (gen batt side & house batt side) show 12.6v on meter. 2) With chargers on, house batt side of diode shows 13.2v. 3) When the gen batt side of diode is unhooked, the free wire will also show 13.2v, which would seem to say that the diode isn't bad. 4) When diode is hooked up and system is complete, the house batt side will say 13.2v, but the gen batt side drops back to 12.6v as if no charging current is making it through. Any opinions of what I am seeing here? Scott --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Curt Sprenger > > Agree. Good. > > Do the same test using shore power. > > Curt Sprenger > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > OK, the voltage went up with the gen running. So I guess the circuit > > works. > > > > Scott > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > Have you used your multimeter and checked the voltage at the gen. > > > battery? First before you start the gen. Than again after the gen. > > is > > > running. The increase in voltage when the gen. is running tells > > you > > > that the charge circuit is working. No change in voltage, or > > lower, > > > you know the charge is not working. > > > > > > Curt Sprenger > > > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" > > > Anaheim Hills, Calif. > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman wrote: > > > > > > > Hmmm..."what is your problem"...there's a wide ranging > > question.... > > > > > > > > Really I don't have a problem right now. I am just trying to learn > > > > my new coach. I knew my old FC inside and out, and that gave me > > some > > > > confidence that if I ever had a problem on the road, maybe I could > > > > diagnose it & fix it. I want to feel that way about my PT, too. I > > > > also want to make sure that the charging circuit is charging the > > > > generator battery as it is supposed to. > > > > > > > > Scott > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > May I be so bold as to ask what is your problem? > > > > > Howard Truitt > > > > > Camilla, Ga. > > > > > 86 PT40 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> > > > > > > Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 08:17:02 EDT > > > > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Aux Batt solenoid on PT > > > > > > > > > > > > OK...a little help... > > > > > > > > > > > > There are solenoids all over the place. There's one on the > > front > > > > > > wall of the batter charger compartment. There are two others > > on > > > > the > > > > > > metal panel that folds down to give access to the charger > > > > > > compartment. And there are three of them behind the step well, > > > > > > although it looks like two of them are for the leveling pump. > > > > None > > > > > > of these make the audible "click" when I hit the Aux Batt > > > > switch. > > > > > > > > > > > > The drawings in my Blue Box aren't as comprehensive as they > > were > > > > in > > > > > > my FC, so I am having trouble figuring all this out. > > > > > > > > > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman > > > > > > 86 PT38 > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott, > > > > > > > On my 86 PT40 mine is in the compartment with the chargers. > > But > > > > > > knowing BB and your coach being a 38 footer it may be > > different. > > > > > > > Howard Truitt > > > > > > > Camilla, Ga. > > > > > > > 86 PT40 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: "Scott Forman" <sforman@> > > > > > > > > Date: 2007/05/26 Sat PM 02:53:55 EDT > > > > > > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Aux Batt solenoid on PT > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Where is the auxillary battery solenoid on a PT? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Scott Forman > > > > > > > > 86 PT38 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Aux Batt solenoid on PT - Travis Martin - 05-28-2007 07:30 It is 100% normal to see a .6 to .7 volt drop across a silicon diode; it's their nature. You won't know if there's a problem unless you discharge the generator battery a bit. Try disconnecting the diode, then start the genset a couple of times. Your battery voltage should drop a bit. Then hook the diode back up and measure again; the generator battery should come back up to 12.6 volts pretty soon, indicating it is indeed being charged through the diode. Travis in Lubbock, Texas...normally a lurker since I have a Newell and not a 'Bird but have learned a lot here... On May 28, 2007, at 2:04 PM, Scott Forman wrote: > > 4) When diode is hooked up and system is complete, the house batt > side will say 13.2v, but the gen batt side drops back to 12.6v as if > no charging current is making it through. > > Any opinions of what I am seeing here? > > Scott |